Failure Analysis

Root-cause failure analysis of lubricated machines

Failure Analysis

Lubricants contain a wealth of information
about the health of our machines

Lubrication Program Partnerships

When failure occurs, finding the root of the problem can save time, money and headaches down the road. If you’re stumped by a recent or chronic failure problem, it might be time to call an expert.

Noria’s technical consulting team can come onsite to help you conduct inspections and perform detailed Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of components such as rolling-element bearings, gears, engines, pumps and others.

Our experience

We have led hundreds of failure investigations in almost every industry and specialized application

Industries we’ve served

  • Power generation

  • Pulp and paper

  • Mining and earthmoving

  • Marine and propulsion

  • Aerospace and defense

  • Oil and gas production

  • Food and beverage

  • Automotive and transport

  • and many more industries

We’ve performed failure investigations even in highly specialized applications

  • Shuttle program

  • Surgical drill bearings

  • U.S. Marine Corps

  • Titan missile program

Our failure analysis process

Noria failure analysis projects follow a sequence of steps that may vary somewhat depending on the nature of the failure, complexity, and associated machine type(s). Each is led by an experienced principal investigator (PI).

  1. Assignment

    Noria assigns one of our technical experts as your principal investigator (PI) for the case based on its type and complexity.

  2. Submission

    You submit a case file with any available background information (photos, operating data, failure history, timeline, troubleshooting studies, expert reports, lab work, drawings, etc.).

  3. Study

    Your PI studies the case file and makes a site visit for inspections, interviews, sampling, and to discuss potential root causes.

  4. Testing

    Samples go to the laboratory for testing. Your PI will work with you in advance to establish a testing budget that fits your goals.

  5. Analysis

    Your PI analyzes and interprets the lab data, delivering initial findings to you via conference call.

  6. Delivery

    Your PI delivers your final report and remediation plan, scheduling another call to discuss any further details.

Failure analysis services

  • Root cause analysis (RCA)

  • Tribological studies

  • Lubricant analysis (oil and grease)

  • Filter debris analysis

  • Ferrography and wear particle identification

  • Accelerated life testing

  • Metallography

  • Other related services available

Frequently asked questions

What laboratories are used?

Laboratories are selected for each case based on the nature of the failure, lubricant type and required test protocol. Because of the hundreds of commercial contract laboratories offering services, a discriminating approach to selection can be made for the benefit of the client in achieving efficient and accurate case outcome.

What other services/tests are offered?

Here is a selection of other services and tests that Noria experts can perform or interpret. If you are looking for something not listed here, contact us and we will likely be able to fulfill your need.

  • Metallography and metallurgy
  • Grease analysis
  • Filter debris analysis
  • Wear particle identification and characterization
  • Particle contamination characterization
  • Infrared and molecular spectroscopy
  • Elemental spectroscopy (ICP, RDE, XRF, SEM-EDS, acid dissolution, etc.)
  • Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
  • Radiological fluid testing
  • Chemical microscopy
  • ASTM lubricant performance testing
  • In-service oil analysis
  • Tribometry and film-strength testing
  • Microbial contamination testing
  • Aviation and aerospace fluid analysis
  • Fire-resistant fluids analysis
  • Varnish and sludge analysis